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Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of Braxton Hicks contractions?
Which of the following is a sign of premonitory labor?
What happens to the cervix as part of cervical ripening during pregnancy?
What is the significance of the uterine souffle heard during pregnancy?
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How does blood volume change during pregnancy according to the cardiovascular system?
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What is the primary characteristic of Braxton Hicks contractions?
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How can women having their first child struggle with contractions?
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What does cervical ripening indicate during pregnancy?
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What is molding in the context of labor?
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What role does the passage play during labor?
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Which statement about the cardinal movements of labor is true?
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What does the consistency of the cervix compare to during pregnancy?
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Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding Braxton Hicks contractions?
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What is the relationship between Braxton Hicks contractions and the onset of labor?
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Which phase of labor begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions?
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What does the term 'lightening' refer to in the context of labor?
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What occurs during the active phase of labor?
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What is the primary purpose of cervical ripening?
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During the descent of the fetal head, which of the following changes is typically observed?
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What happens during placental separation in the third stage of labor?
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What signifies the event known as 'crowning' during delivery?
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Study Notes
Labor Signs
- Braxton Hicks contractions are periodic uterine tightenings felt as waves of hardness or tightening
- Sonographic evidence of gestational sac is an early sign of pregnancy
- Uterine souffle, a muffled swishing sound over the abdomen in union with the mother’s heartbeat, is a sign of pregnancy
- Pregnancy tests are used to confirm pregnancy
Cervical Changes
- The cervix of the uterus becomes more vascular and edematous, getting softer than normal, similar to the consistency of an earlobe (Goodell’s sign)
- The operculum, or mucus plug, fills the cervical canal to protect the fetus
- Goodell’s sign is the softening of the cervix during pregnancy
Vaginal Changes
- An increase in the activity of the epithelial cells leads to an increase in vaginal discharge
Molding
- Molding is the change in the shape of the fetal skull due to pressure from uterine contractions against the cervix
- The fetal skull bones overlap to form a narrow and long shape, facilitating passage through the pelvis
Components of Labor
- Passage: The pathway a fetus travels through the uterus, cervix, vagina, and external perineum
- Passenger: The fetus
- Powers: Uterine contractions and maternal pushing efforts
- Psyche: The woman’s psychological state
Mechanisms of Labor
- Cardinal movements: Position changes of the fetus as it passes through the birth canal
- Descent: Movement of the presenting part into the pelvic inlet
- Flexion: Fetal head flexes chin to chest, presenting smallest diameter
- Internal rotation: Head rotates to fit the pelvic outlet
- Extension: Head emerges from the vagina, extending back
- External rotation: The head rotates to align with the shoulders as they pass through the pelvis
- Expulsion: The body delivers, following the head
Stages of Labor
- First Stage: Begins with regular contractions and ends with complete cervical dilation (10 cm)
- Latent Phase: Mild and short contractions, lasting 20 to 40 seconds, cervix dilates from 0 to 4 cm
- Active Phase: Dilatation increases rapidly (4 to 7 cm per hour), contractions are stronger and longer
- Second Stage: Begins with full cervical dilation and ends with delivery of the baby
- Third Stage: Begins with delivery of the baby and ends with delivery of the placenta
- Fourth Stage: The hour following delivery, when the uterus contracts to control bleeding and stabilize
Cardiovascular System During Pregnancy
- An increase in total circulatory blood volume (30% or more)
- NSD (Normal Spontaneous Delivery) blood loss: 300-400 mL
- CS (Cesarean Section) blood loss: 800-1000 mL
- Blood volume changes ensure adequate blood supply to the mother and fetus
Placenta Delivery
- The placenta detaches from the uterine wall, resulting in bleeding
- Bleeding helps to separate the placenta further
- The placenta can be delivered spontaneously or manually
Ripening of the Cervix
- Ripening is an internal sign seen only on pelvic examination
- The cervix feels soft and similar to the consistency of an earlobe (Goodell’s sign)
Crowning
- As the fetal head pushes against the perineum, the vaginal introitus opens and the fetal scalp appears
- The opening changes from slitlike to oval and then circular
- The circle enlarges from the size of a dime to a quarter and then a half-dollar
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Description
Explore the various signs and changes that occur during pregnancy, including labor signs, cervical changes, and vaginal transformations. This quiz covers key concepts like Braxton Hicks contractions and Goodell's sign, helping you understand the physiological adaptations a woman experiences. Test your knowledge on these important indicators of pregnancy.
